Definitions and Scope

Target Population: People with intellectual disabilities

Intellectual disability is a developmental disorder where the individual faces more difficulty than others in grasping concepts and solving problems. The international definition for intellectual disability has three criteria:

Significant limitations in intelligence (classified as an IQ level of 70 or below)

Significant limitations in the skills needed to live and work in the community, including difficulties with communication, self-care, social skills, safety, and self-direction.

Limitations in intelligence and living skills are evident in the developmental period (i.e. before the person is aged 18 years)IMH, 2012

Other? Client Segments

Intellectual Disability and Mental Health

Where there is a co-existence of mental illness and intellectual disability, accurate diagnosis and treatment are particularly challenging because of the individual's impaired cognitive abilities and attention, functional deficits, communication difficulties, and other co-morbid developmental disabilities, such as autism.IMH, 2012

For people with intellectual disability, mental disorders can seriously affect their daily functioning, disrupt family relations, and prevent access to community resources for care, training and habilitation. The mental disorder often manifests as behavioural difficulties or changes, which require a proper assessment from an inter-disciplinary team of mental health professionals, so that appropriate treatment can be given. Treatment includes the judicious use of medicines, behavioural therapy and occupational therapy. The treatment plans usually look into addressing sensory issues, improving communication skills, advising on environmental manipulation, changing maladaptive behaviour and optimising functional capabilities. IMH, 2012

Multiple Disabilities

refer to assets below

Size of the Target Population

Desired impact for target group

For people with intellectual disabilities to be adequately educated and prepared, so that they can be socially and economically included in Singaporean society, to be seen as part of our social landscape

Face no discrimination socially and in the workplace

Needs of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Employment

Need for Retirement Adequacy

[Needs should not be identified in term of its specific solutions—eg youths need mentoring, seniors need hospice care, people with disabilities need day care (these are specific solutions we can be in the next column)—Instead, they should be defined in more ‘perennial terms’ because the solutions can change but the needs remain; I don’t need a CD player, or even an mp3 player, I need ‘portable music’ and currently the best solution seems to be Spotify]

[Also indicate the size of this specific need & projected demand were data is available]

Existing Resources

[e.g. existing services or programmes both private or public; relevant policies and legislation]

Need for for employment opportunities

Need for [ insert description ]

Existing Resources

Gaps and Their Causes

Possible Solutions

Social Engagements

Need for People with Intellectual Disabilities to be socially engaged

[Needs should not be identified in term of its specific solutions—eg youths need mentoring, seniors need hospice care, people with disabilities need day care (these are specific solutions we can be in the next column)—Instead, they should be defined in more ‘perennial terms’ because the solutions can change but the needs remain; I don’t need a CD player, or even an mp3 player, I need ‘portable music’ and currently the best solution seems to be Spotify]

[Also indicate the size of this specific need & projected demand were data is available]

Existing Resources

[e.g. existing services or programmes both private or public; relevant policies and legislation]